Advent Reflections

A reflection on Advent from Blessed Pope John Paul II:

http://stm-fet-weekly-reflection.blogspot.com/2011/11/sunday-27-november-2011.html

Keep Christ in Christmas Campaign at my parish -- how about yours?

My priest asked a committee that I am on to help with a campaign to Keep Christ in Christmas.  Did you know that Christmas means "Christ Mass", or the Roman Catholic feast to celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?  Christmas is very Catholic!

Check out these links to find all of our ideas to thank local businesses for acknowledging Christmas as a religious holiday:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Michael-Parish-Keep-Christ-in-Christmas-Campaign/160199327411336

http://stm-fet.blogspot.com/p/keep-christ-in-christmas.html

Did you know the United States Post Office is now selling a Madonna and Child postage stamp?

Will you say Grace before meals at family gatherings?  Even the ones at restaurants?

If you spot a store selling "JESUS" chocolates from Russell Stover / Whitman's, will you thank the store manager personally?

Please comment on this posting if you have more ideas!  Thanks!

Catholic Stuff You Should Know podcast

Have a lot of fun and learn stuff!

The podcast, "Catholic Stuff You Should Know", was started a couple of years ago by Catholic seminarians in Colorado.  One is now an ordained priest.  One is now an ordained deacon.  The other podcasters are current seminarians.

This podcast is great!  Imagine learning right from young men who are studying Jesus Christ and Roman Catholic theology right now!  They pick all kinds of different topics, and have a great banter back and forth to keep it light and fun.

Website: http://www.catholicstuffpodcast.com/Catholic_Stuff_You_Should_Know/Catholic_Stuff_Home.html

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/catholic-stuff-you-should/id412678859

Email these seminarians, deacons and priests your questions of faith:  catholicstuffpodcast@gmail.com

Catholic Bible Study Resources

I just added a new page to this blog with Catholic Bible Study Resources from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
http://debbiecatholic.blogspot.com/p/catholic-bible-study-resources.html

For those of you following who do not have time to get to the website, here are the links in brief:

New American Bible Revised Edition (text)
http://www.usccb.org/bible/books-of-the-bible/

Today's Readings for Mass (text):
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings

Daily Readings (audio):
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings-audio.cfm

Daily Reflection (video):
http://www.usccb.org/bible/reflections/

Mobile Gabriel (for smartphones and small electronics): http://www.mobilegabriel.com/

Compline: a free app for learning the Liturgy of the Hours, the night prayer

The Roman Catholic Church has two great prayers to be said by the faithful: the Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours.  Until I went through the School for Pastoral Ministry at the Oakland Diocese, I had not heard of the Liturgy of the Hours.  This is a prayer form you can do on your own, or with a group, or organize for your parish church.

This free app gives you the night prayer, "Compline", which is centuries old.  Compline is the last prayer said at night, and reflects back over the day just past.  The folks at DivineOffice.org give a full explanation on their website.

The Compline app has the prayers in writing and in audio, so you can pray the responses along with the readers.  Nice way to learn if you are not familiar with these prayers.


Website for Divine Office: http://divineoffice.org/

Apple App Store page: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/night-prayer-compline-audio/id337995045?mt=8

Cost: Free

Where I Found It: iTunes

iPadre: App, Website, Podcast from Fr. Jay Finelli

One of my all time favorite Catholic podcasts is “iPadre” by Father Jay Finelli.

He always begins his show with excellent Christian music.  Then, Fr. Jay answers questions on the Roman Catholic faith from listeners, and addresses a timely topic of faith.  Fr. Jay has done shows on the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Blessed Kateri (an Iroquois woman on her way to being the first Native American Saint), the Holiness of Marriage, interviews with nuns and seminarians to help us understand the call to vocations, and so on.  Fr. Jay presents his material in a very understandable and pastoral manner.  A great way to know your faith so you can grown in your faith.

The iPadre App is very nice and easy to use.  (See screen captures below).  I bought it through the iTunes App Store.  The iPadre app makes it easy to listen to the podcast, and to send in feedback.

The iPadre podcast is free on iTunes

The App is $2.  Here is the iTunes store page:  http://j.mp/9J4dsJ#pdcst

Father Jay’s website is:   http://www.ipadre.net/

Father Jay has a fan page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/groups/18140513512/

New English Translation of the Roman Missal: Getting to Know Your Part

At my prayer group this past week, we went through the people's parts of the Roman Missal, comparing the current wording with the new wording.  We spent time pondering the meaning of the words, and the mysteries that God brings us in the Holy Eucharist.  You can find all you need to know on the web:

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has a great website on the new English translation: http://old.usccb.org/romanmissal/

The comparison of the new and old wording of the laity's speaking parts is at: http://old.usccb.org/romanmissal/samples-people.shtml

I was raised Lutheran (and converted to the Roman Catholic Church about 15 years ago): the "new" text sounds familiar to me.  The other women in my prayer group also found the "new" text to be very familiar from their Catholic childhood.

What thoughts does pondering the words of the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass bring to you?

Blessed John Paul II on the Dignity of Work

"Awareness that man's work is a participation in God's activity ought to permeate even the most ordinary everyday activities. For, while providing the substance of life for themselves and their families, men and women are performing their activities in a way which appropriately benefits society. They can justly consider that by their labor they are unfolding the Creator's work, consulting the advantages of their brothers and sisters, and contributing by their personal industry to the realization in history of the divine plan."

      -- Blessed John Paul II, Laborem Exercens (On Work) 

Catholic Social Teaching Resources: 

"The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers" is just one of the seven themes of Catholic Social Teaching.  Learn more from:

• The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (http://tinyurl.com/BishopsSocialTeaching) and 
• Pope Benedict XVI (http://tinyurl.com/CatholicSocialTeaching).

The image above is from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website, on the page "Transforming Our World: Our Catholic Faith in Action": 
 http://nccbuscc.org/campus/teaching-worker.shtml

Life and Dignity Sunday: If you're a voter, please sign up!

Our Bishops are asking all Catholic voters to sign up with the Catholic Legislative Network.

The CLN sends out Action Alerts when legislation with moral implications is on the floor of the House, or the Senate, or a State Legislature.  At such a time, we, the Catholic voters, need to contact our legislators immediately.

http://www.cacatholic.org/index.php/take-action/legislation/l-and-d-sunday.html

Recent pieces of legislation include the protection of the conscience rights of health care workers (i.e., to allow Catholic doctors and other healthcare workers to refuse to conduct abortions, euthansia, or physician-assisted suicide) and also to prevent the federal funding of abortions.

67 million Catholic voters can be heard --- but only if you sign up and act.

The Action Alerts are not onerous -- perhaps an email per month at most while the legislature is in session.  The Action Alerts take less than 5 minutes -- a few clicks of the mouse and your letter is automatically sent to your own legislators.  The CLN does not take a position on every single piece of legislation: just those with moral implications.

10th Anniversary Observance of 9/11 Attacks: San Francisco

The San Francisco Interfaith Council is joining forces with Mayor Ed Lee's office and the San Francisco Opera to convene the 10th anniversary observance of the 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States.

This observance will be held in concert with the San Francisco Opera's annual Opera in the Park, scheduled for:

2:00 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011
Sharon Meadows,
Golden Gate Park,
San Francisco, California

For more information: http://www.sfinterfaithcouncil.org/10th_anniv_911.html

On Facebook, search for: 'San Francisco Interfaith Council' or go to (http://www.facebook.com/pages/San-Francisco-Interfaith-Council/120323438022137?sk=wall)

Please Contact Your US Senators to Support Respect for Rights of Conscience Act.

You, the Catholic voter, are the only one who can make a difference: millions of Catholic voters do have a voice.  Together we can defend all the Catholic doctors and nurses in America who must defend life directly in their day to day jobs. What to do?  Write or phone your Congressperson.

The 2010 comprehensive health care reform law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), poses new risks to religious freedom and rights of conscience.

To correct these problems, Reps. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and Dan Boren (D-OK) introduced the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (H.R. 1179). This measure will ensure that those who participate in the health care system "retain the right to provide, purchase, or enroll in health coverage that is consistent with their religious beliefs and moral convictions".

Please contact your U.S. Senators: (1) Call the U.S. Capitol switchboard at: 202-224-3121, or (2) send an e-mail through NCHLA's Action Center: http://www.nchla.org, or (3) find contact info at: www.senate.gov.
 

UPDATE: I just went to the NCHLA website, and found many current Action Alerts for legislation pending before the US Congress regarding protection for the unborn and protection of the conscience rights of health care workers.  It only took me 5 minutes to send emails -- the form letter is all ready to go -- EASY!

Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, August 21, 2011

In today's Gospel, St. Peter is given the keys of the Kingdom by Jesus Christ.  In other words, St. Peter is made Prime Minister.

The Old Testament reading shows the ancient Hebrew practice of appointing a Prime Minister: giving the authority to open/shut, bind/loose.

Bible readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/082111.cfm

Reflect more at this link: http://stm-fet.blogspot.com/p/adult-faith-formation-column_26.html#21aug11

A woman at my parish runs a weekly bulletin article with reflections on the Sunday Gospel taken from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, writings of Popes, and Saints.

God bless you all.

National Catholic Rural Life Conference reaches out to rural America

He does execute justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing. --Deuteronomy 10:18

Catholic Church Helps Rural America.  
The National Catholic Rural Life Conference is dedicated to applying the teachings of Jesus Christ for the betterment of rural America.  NCRLC is sponsored by Catholic dioceses across America.  Their website has a wealth of information on food justice, the ethics of eating, and spiritual resources.  Of especial note is their "Faith-Based Study Guide on Poverty and Hunger" to help us understand the facts, reflect and pray, and choose appropriate action.  Learn more at: http://www.ncrlc.com

Hunger Damages Children and Adults.  
Did you know?  "Hunger is more than pangs in the stomach. Malnutrition and undernutrition lead to physical impairment; a person who hungers on a daily basis can no longer maintain natural bodily capacities. For children, this means impairment to growth and learning abilities. For women, hunger affects pregnancy and lactation; for men, physical work. For all people, the lack of food leads to various diseases and prevents the ability to recover quickly, if at all."  (from "A Faith-Based Study Guide on Poverty and Hunger", NCRLC, www.ncrlc.com)


Rich and poor have a common bond: the LORD is the maker of them all. - Proverbs 22:2

Pope Speaks Out on Church's Responsibility for Creation.

Here are some quotes form Pope Benedict XVI on care for creation:

"The Church has a responsibility towards creation and she must assert this responsibility in the public sphere." (Pope Benedict XVI, Encyclical Letter Caritas in Veritate, 2009, No. 51).

"In a word, concern for the environment calls for a broad global vision of the world; a responsible common effort to move beyond approaches based on selfish nationalistic interests towards a vision constantly open to the needs of all peoples." (Pope Benedict XVI, 2010 World Day of Peace Message, No. 11)

Read more Catholic teaching on the environment from the Catholic Coalition on Climate Change, http://tinyurl.com/ClimateTeaching

Reflection on the Sunday Readings for July 31

31 July 2011, Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

Bible readings

Reflection

A woman at my parish does a weekly bulletin article with reflections on the Gospel of the week.  Thought you would enjoy this!

Detroit Parish Takes to Heart Stewardship of God's Creation

Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church in Detroit has taken the message of “being good stewards of the earth” seriously: inviting speakers to discuss reducing carbon footprints, holding sustainability workshops, reducing waste management costs by 50% through aggressive recycling, upgrading lights and windows, reducing water use, creating a parish garden, and composting yard waste for the local 4H community center. 

Learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/Nativity-Stewardship

Catholic Social Teaching is a Treasure

Rich and poor have a common bond: the LORD is the maker of them all. – Proverbs 22:2

Find an excellent summary of Catholic Social Teaching at the Catholic Climate Covenant website:
http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Climate-Change-and-Catholic-Social-Teaching.pdf

The Church’s social teaching is a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of our society. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) outlines Seven Key Themes of Catholic Social Teaching:
(1) Life and Dignity of the Human Person,
(2) Call to Family, Community, and Participation,
(3) Rights and Responsibilities,
(4) Option for the Poor and Vulnerable,
(5) The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers,
(6) Solidarity,
(7) Care for God’s Creation.

“[W]e cannot interfere in one area of the ecosystem without paying due attention both to the consequences of such interference in other areas and to the well-being of future generations.” (Blessed Pope John Paul II, 1990 World Day of Peace Message, No. 6)


The LORD God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it. – Genesis 2:15

Catholic Bishops' Statements on Climate Change: Food for Thought

Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground." --Genesis 1:26

The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change (www.catholicsandclimatechange.org) was launched in 2006 to help the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Catholic community address issues such as: What are the moral implications of climate change? Who is most impacted? What should the Catholic community do?  Our bishops say: “We … call for a civil dialogue and prudent and constructive action to protect God’s precious gift of the earth’s atmosphere with a sense of genuine solidarity and justice for all God’s children.”

The Catholic Principles and Teachings applied to the issue of global climate change are (1) Prudence: thoughtful, deliberate, and reasoned action, (2) Poverty: concern for those least able to bear the burden, and (3) the Common Good: promotion of solidarity over self-interest. (www.catholicsandclimatechange.org)

Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence, and the Common Good is the title of a statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  The statement begins: “As people of faith, we are convinced that ‘the earth is the Lord's and all it holds’ (Ps 24:1). Our Creator has given us the gift of creation: the air we breathe, the water that sustains life, the fruits of the land that nourish us, and the entire web of life without which human life cannot flourish. All of this God created and found ‘very good.’ We believe our response to global climate change should be a sign of our respect for God's creation.”  Read the entire statement at: http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/globalclimate.shtml

The earth is the LORD'S and all it holds, the world and those who live there. – Psalm 24:1

First Fridays for Food Security

US Bishops Challenge: First Fridays for Food Security.  

On every first Friday for a year, eat meals that cost only as much as is allotted for a family of your size who would be on food stamps.  You will probably discover a big gap between the actual cost of your normal meals and the budget available using food stamps.  Your efforts may require a partial fast, and be a spiritual sacrifice.  Participating in this First Friday fast can help you be open to the Holy Spirit and walk in solidarity with all those for whom access to adequate, nutritious food is difficult.  Learn the details on Facebook (First Fridays for Food Security) or http://usccb.org/sdwp/Fasting-Resource-Intro-May-6.pdf

Why Do Catholics Fast? 
“Voluntary fasting from food creates in us a greater openness to God's Spirit and deepens our compassion for those who are forced to go without food. The discomfort brought about by fasting unites us to the sufferings of Christ. Fasting should bring to mind the sufferings of all those for whom Christ suffered.”   -- United States Catholic Bishops, Penitential Practices for Today’s Catholics, 2000

US Bishops new Facebook page for Justice for Immigrants Campaign

Follow “Justice for Immigrants Campaign” on Facebook and keep updated on the latest developments with the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ campaign for comprehensive immigration reform.

http://www.facebook.com/JusticeForImmigrants